What Bitcoin Did

Rob Hamilton, co-founder and CEO of Anchor Watch, dives deep into the contentious BIP-444 proposal aimed at blocking non-monetary data in Bitcoin. He discusses the potential changes to consensus rules and the risks of chain splits and reorgs. Rob provides insights into miner behavior under fee pressure and the economic implications of activated forks. He argues the unlikelihood of UASF success due to lack of miner support and highlights the importance of futures markets in determining the outcome. Additionally, he shares his thoughts on collaborative custody and community dynamics.

SeedSigner, the creator of an open-source Bitcoin signing device and former police forensic examiner, dives into the importance of trustless hardware for Bitcoin security. He shares insights from his transition to digital forensics and highlights the risks of commercial hardware wallets. SeedSigner discusses his DIY approach, emphasizing that security is a journey and empowering users to control their keys without trusting opaque supply chains. He offers practical advice on purchasing hardware while advocating for open-source sovereignty as a defense against capture.

Matthew Mezinskis, a macroeconomic researcher and host of Crypto Voices, dives into the unique growth dynamics of Bitcoin, highlighting its power-law increase unlike traditional finance’s exponential patterns. He explores how this sustainable growth challenges credit systems, predicting a potential shift in the financial landscape. The discussion also covers Bitcoin's role as a base money, its ambitious milestone to surpass U.S. cash circulation, and the implications of rising interest in Bitcoin amid traditional markets and AI trends, painting an insightful picture of its future.

The Rational Root, an insightful on-chain analyst and creator of the Bitcoin Strategy platform, unpacks the future of Bitcoin's four-year cycle. He discusses the recent market correction, how institutional dynamics are shaping slower growth, and asserts Bitcoin is still undervalued. Root analyzes sell pressure from long-term holders, the impact of macro business cycles, and suggests healthy accumulation strategies. He advises patience, believing a clear bottom may form soon amidst ongoing institutional interest.

Ben Perrin, creator of BTC Sessions, dives into the essentials of Bitcoin self-custody. He discusses different wallet options, from user-friendly hot wallets to advanced multi-sig setups, emphasizing the importance of protecting your family's Bitcoin. Ben shares insights on inheritance planning and the pitfalls of complexity, alongside practical advice for living on Bitcoin. He highlights teaching future generations about the value of freedom over convenience and recounts his experience building a vibrant Bitcoin economy in Calgary.

Marty Bent, Founder of TFTC, explores Bitcoin's role in societal transformation, arguing it can safeguard individual freedom against authoritarianism. Erik Cason, co-founder of Vora, shares insights on Bitcoin's ideological journey and the dangers of institutional adoption undermining cypherpunk values. American HODL discusses using state power for Bitcoin advocacy and warns of potential scapegoating of Bitcoin in societal issues. Together, they analyze the risks of surveillance and the necessity of active engagement to preserve Bitcoin's vision.

Obi Nwosu, CEO and co-founder of Fedi, is on a mission to revolutionize community finance through Bitcoin. He discusses how tools like Fedimint can foster privacy and freedom in financial systems. Obi warns against Bitcoin’s potential drift towards convenience at the cost of liberty and emphasizes the need for decentralized solutions. He unveils Fedi’s innovative features for low-income users, advocating for a collaborative approach to custody that balances ease of use and protection against risks.

Alex Gladstein, Chief Strategy Officer at the Human Rights Foundation and author, discusses Bitcoin as a revolutionary tool for human rights. He explains how money has shifted from freedom to control, with Bitcoin capable of reversing financial repression used by authoritarian regimes. Gladstein shares insights from his travels and meetings in Southeast Asia, highlighting Bitcoin's role in empowering activists. He contrasts Bitcoin's potential for freedom against stablecoins, which he argues strengthen state power, reinforcing the idea that Bitcoin is more than a financial asset—it's freedom money.

Nik Bhatia, a financial researcher and author of 'Layered Money' and 'The Bitcoin Age,' dives deep into the implications of recent repo market spikes and liquidity trends. He explains how the Fed’s mechanics impact reserve scarcity and why banks are hoarding funds instead of lending. Bhatia predicts a private credit boom that could fuel U.S. growth and inflation while enhancing Bitcoin’s status as collateral. He also discusses the geopolitical signals behind gold's rally and Bitcoin’s evolving role in an unpredictable macro environment.

Leopoldo López, a Venezuelan opposition leader and former political prisoner, shares his harrowing journey from mayor to exile. He discusses the psychological toll of four years in solitary confinement and how he orchestrated a prison uprising. Now, he uses Bitcoin to fund resistance movements in Venezuela, defying dictator Maduro. Leopoldo highlights innovative ways crypto supports activists, from humanitarian aid to election monitoring. His insights into building a freedom network through the World Liberty Congress reveal a powerful intersection of activism and technology.